Ferguson completes Posh return

Wednesday 12 January 2011 11:28 BST

Darren Ferguson

Peterborough have confirmed the return of Darren Ferguson as their new manager.

Ferguson, 38, replaces Gary Johnson at the helm at London Road - where he enjoyed back-to-back promotions before leaving in November 2009. Johnson left the npower League One club on Monday night after disagreements with chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Posh have decided to re-appoint one of the most successful managers in their history.

MacAnthony hopes Ferguson can restore stability at the club, and he said: "I asked him to come to the game (against Brentford on Tuesday night) and he has signed for four-and-a-half years. Let's make the magic happen again."

He added: "I haven't enjoyed owning the football club over the last 18 months or so and I hope this can change that.

"We have both realised that the grass isn't always greener."

Ferguson was dismissed by Preston North End just after Christmas but has the chance to take Posh up for a third time after they moved back into the play-off places with a 2-1 win over the Bees on Tuesday.